Hajj - Journey to the Heart of Islam
8th February 2012
On the 8th of February, Year 4 visited the British Museum to see its special exhibition on the Hajj. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must do at least once in their lifetime. Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia.
The exhibition had information about how Muslims over many years have travelled to Mecca and about their experiences. There were also many beautiful objects, textiles, diaries ad manuscripts that helped us understand the meaning and importance of the Hajj. My favourite was the story of how Richard Burton travelled to Mecca, disguised as a Muslim!. I also enjoyed reading the diary of an 8 year old girl, about her experience when she went on Hajj.
Year 4 watched a short film about the many traditions and beliefs that people follow when they go to see the Ka'ba. The ka'ba is a HUGE brown building with a mosque around it. The Muslims go around it 7 times anti-clockwise during prayers. There is also a black stone in the eastern corner which Muslims either want to touch or kiss. They also throw 49 pebbles at some pillars.
I loved this trip!
A big thank you to Mrs A for organising it and a big thank you to the mother's of Alisha, Katie and Meghna for coming with us.
Meghna
